Saturday, November 3rd, 2018

Cordoba, Argentina

145th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 May 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of
Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 19:1-29
*What can you do to feel closer to the Savior?
- How hard do I labor to put myself in places where Jesus can show himself to me? What efforts do I put into attending the temple? What sacrifices do I make to have FHE, scripture study, family prayer? How often am I pondering and seeking the Spirit? How often and well do I serve? What am I doing with my time? What sacrifices am I making? Do I labor exceedingly that I might be in the place where Jesus can show himself to me? When we put forth effort and we are doing the things that our Savior has asked, He will certainly "bless us and His countenance will smile upon us, and shine upon us." We will witness the Savior in our life. He will come to us as we come to Him!
Book of Mormon
Mosiah 24-26
Old Testament
13-16
General Conference

Lift Up Your Head and Rejoice

By M. Joseph Brough

"As we face hard things in the Lord's way, may we lift up our heads and rejoice."

Sore throat again this morning. It feels like it is on fire. What's a good remedy? A fun Christmas movie starring Autumn Reeser, "Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade."  Here are some lines from the movie as Henry and Emily meet the Star Light dancers some of whom have been married and dancing together for over 30 years.

Henry: "What makes a relationship last for years?"

Emily: "Peaks and valleys. You remember the peaks to get you through the valleys. Affection, compromise, and peaks and valleys."

I think I am going to text this to Elder Bernecker. He asked me what was the secret to being married 50 years.

Later Emily's friend says to her, (back to the movie): "Be his soft place to fall." Emily: "Where did you hear that?" Friend: "Dr. Phil."

The interesting story of James's morning hunt. I woke up early this morning with the thought that he should go out near the girls camp on the Vernon-McNary road. I remember thinking that I needed to be sure and tell James when he gets up. He left in such a hurry after our prayer that I forgot to tell him. I did remember to pray for him though.

He was home sooner that I thought he would be. The first thing James said to me was, "Thanks for praying for me." I asked him if he was successful and he said yes. He then told about how he ended up saying and prayer and decided to go on the Vernon-McNary road and within a few minutes he found a deer and shot it. I told him about my earlier impression and how I had forgotten to tell him. In his prayer he said to Heavenly Father, "I don't know where the deer are but you do." Heavenly Father really is in the details of our lives.

I am still feeling pretty low with a sore throat, cough, and no energy. I did go to town with James today. We stopped at the Aliberto's on the Deuce and I got a breakfast burrito. It was delicious and really hit the spot. James liked it better than the Torta that he got. I stayed in the car while James went in to Safeway to get some freezer bags for his deer meat. While James was getting gas and washing the car I walked to McDonald's to use the little girls room and to get an ice cream cone. I know ice cream isn't the greatest thing to eat when you have a sore throat but it sure feels good on a scratchy throat.

James spent a couple of hours washing the car since the carwash didn't get all the mud off, the truck, the Razr and the driveway and garage. I appreciate him so much. 

I worked on my lesson, blog, and walked and that's about it. James said a fast prayer and included missionary work as per Elder Robbins' request.

He worked on Book Traders and built a fire before going to bed, which keeps the house warm during the night and is much cheaper than having the heater come on.

Scarlett is such a sweetie!

 Where's your nose Charlie?

Anything else you want me to do?

Going for a walk with Mama

Great photo of Paul and Stacy!

 Dallin's new ride. Oh dear.

 So sorry I missed it.

 Someone didn't do their market research.

Thursday, November 1st, 2018

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

143rd operating temple

Dedicated: 4 May 2014

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Davidic descent of

Isaiah 11:1

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 18:1-14

*How can we better focus on Christ while partaking of the Sacrament each Sunday?

- The Savior taught that the principal purpose for taking the sacrament is to remember Him. We have an opportunity to concentrate on the Son of God during the sacrament ordinance; we should not allow our thoughts to wander or be distracted. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland described several appropriate ways to remember the Lord while renewing our covenants through the sacrament: "We could remember the Savior's premortal life and all that we know Him to have done, the simple grandeur of His mortal birth to just a young woman, His miracles and His teachings, His healings and His help. We could remember that Jesus found special joy and happiness in children and said all of us should be more lie them. We could remember that Christ called His disciples His friends. We could and should remember the wonderful things that have come to us in our lives and that 'all things which are good come of Christ.' (Moroni 7:24). On some days we will have cause to remember the unkind treatment He received, the rejection He experienced, and the injustice He endured. We can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things before He could ascend above them, and that He suffered pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind that He might be filled with mercy and know how t succor His people in their infirmities." 

 I also like to study The Living Christ during the sacrament.

Book of Mormon #2

Mosiah 18-20

Old Testament

Ezekiel 9-10

General Conference

Opening Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"The long-standing objective of the Church is to assist all members to increase their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and in His Atonement, to assist them in making and keeping their covenants with God, and to strengthen and seal their families."

When I got up my clock said it was after 5. I had wanted to get up at 4. I came in the kitchen and the clock said 3:50. I guess when I set my clock last night after James through the breaker I set it wrong. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised. I started out ok but before too long I was tired and had to take a nap. If I am going to get up at 4 I have to go to bed before 10, not 11.

James went out hunting this morning again after scriptures and prayers. He went over by Eagar and Big Lake again.

I made 3 loaves of pumpkin bread this afternoon. One for Donna, one for Cammy, and one for James and I. Donna and Cammy both have birthdays tomorrow. James ministers to Donna and I minister to Cammy. 

After the bread was baked, cooled and out of the pans I covered two loaves and tasted the other. Delicious!  

I posted on my blog for October 31st but didn't have time to download all of the Halloween pictures so I will have to finish tomorrow.

It was after 4 when I left for town. My first stop was at the bank for some cash. I am going to the valley tomorrow with the Halcomb's for Time Out for Women and since they are driving me and letting me stay in their room, I figured I would need some cash to pay them. I also went to Walmart to pick up prescriptions and to do a little shopping. I bought both Cammy and Donna a candle to go with their bread. I am so original. 

It was after dark when I got home. James was already in the shower from working at the Howard's. I hurried and put the groceries away, put the bread in bags and tied some ribbon around the bags, got some birthday cards from upstairs, and slapped a bow on top of the candles, and James and I headed out. First stop was the Peeler's because Donna goes to bed at 8 and it was already 7:30. We knocked for several minutes and finally Donna came to the door with her walker. I felt bad that she had to get up. We should have texted her that we were coming. We gave her the bread and the candle and wished her a happy birthday. She invited us in but we declined because she already had her pajamas on. 

It is quite a ways to the Grapp's, several miles so it was after 8 when we got there. The whole family, except Liana came to the door. Cammy said she loved pumpkin bread and it would probably be gone by the time they went to bed. Benson grabbed the candle and lit it, turning off all the lights in the house. We visited a few minutes and I explained that I was going to TOFW and wouldn't see her tomorrow. She said how much she loved TOFW but decided not to go this year because of the baby. 

When we got home I had to clean the kitchen and walk. James worked on Book Trades. He bought four books. We have credits on our credit card so it did not cost him any money. He kept asking me for help so it took me longer than usual to clean the kitchen.

So adorable! I love how she does her toes.

 Stacy got her hair done.

These two!

 Scarlett is so cute!

Dallin and Sarah

 Cousin Randy and his wife Deb

The "Super" Jones's

Wow!

Sunday, May 27th, 2018

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov, 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Birth of
DC 93:4
The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle and dwelt among the sons of men.
Book of Mormon
Alma 7:1-13
* What does Alma prophesy about the Savior?
-He shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers...he shall go forth suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Old Testament
1 Kings 3-4
3 Solomon loves the Lord and keeps His commandments - The Lord appears to Solomon and promises him a wise and an understanding heart - He judges between two harlots and determines who is the mother of a child.
4 The officers in Solomon's court are listed - Solomon reigns in peace and prosperity over a large kingdom - His wisdom and understanding exceed that of all men.
General Conference

"Be With and Strengthen Them" 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

" Brothers and sisters, as the work of quorums and auxiliaries matures institutionally, it follows that we should mature personally as well - individually rising above any mechanical, function-without-feeling routine to the heartfelt discipleship articulated by the Savior at the conclusion of His earthly ministry."

I was up before five this morning. The first thing I did was weigh myself. I lost 1.2 lbs. this week so I had chocolate cream pie for breakfast.

I spent the morning getting ready for my Relief Society lesson on ministering until it was time to get ready to go.

James loads, the small table I have my family display set up on and a box of photos, my old sewing machine, and two baskets into the car.

We have family prayer in the car. 
The church is packed because it is Memorial Day weekend. The Howard's saved us a place next to them. So nice. On the way in we say hi to the Montgomery's. Dave used to work for James and Tammy grew up in Chandler. We have known her family, the Cluff's, for years. 

The rumor was that the bishopric had asked certain people to bear their testimonies and then if there was any time left they would call people up out of the audience. We were a little nervous but I was confident I wouldn't be called up because I spoke in sacrament meeting last week.

It was nice to have three priests at the sacrament table, Jace, Talon, and Jackson. Talon and Jackson both have suits on and look like missionaries. Jackson has received his mission call to the Philippines and will be leaving in September.

The oldest brother Wilhelm was asked to bear his testimony on the Teaching in the Savior's Way program. He was supposed to take 5 minutes but it ended up taking 10 or more. This is good, less time to call people up out of the audience.

Talon was asked to bear his testimony and did a nice job. 

There was a men's chorus. They sang "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy."

Bishop Miller's wife bore her testimony about the Pathway program and then Brother Peeler, who loves to speak, bore his testimony on temple and family history work. He took at least 15 minutes. 

When Brother Peeler finished there was some time left so Brother Greer, our high councilman was asked to bear his testimony. I love Brother Greer. He is a former mission president and is just a friendly, happy, cheerful person. His testimony was great. At the end he said that Heavenly Father wants  us to return to Him, that we are His chubby little babies. That made me smile.

Last, but certainly not least, Bishop Miller bore his testimony. In regards to the Savior he said; "I have never seen Him, but I know Him." I felt the Spirit when he said that.

The closing hymn was "Count Your Many Blessings." Afterwards I turned to Jean and told her she was one of my blessings. She gave me a hug.

During Sunday School I was setting up for my lesson. James brought all of my things in for me and then he went to the gospel doctrine class taught by Brother Smith. I really wanted to hear the gospel doctrine lesson and thought maybe I would go in late, but my setup took the entire time. 

First I set up my family history table. Then I was going to put up pictures from the gospel art packet of the Savior ministering but I couldn't get the pictures to stay on the wall. Tamara told me we were allowed to use blue painters tape on the walls, which I had but it does not work. Heather Bowen came in and was trying to help me.

I finally settled on six photos to put up near the chalkboard. By this time Sunday School was out and sisters were coming in to the room.

We had six visitors in Relief Society and one of them played the piano for us. They were great participants in the lesson. It was an easy lesson to teach because everyone has examples of ministering in their lives. Sister Scott even shared something that I never knew. She said they had a son that died and she had a poem about tears that she memorized that helps her. One of the visiting sisters also had a son who had passed away.

After church we went home, ate and took a nap and then began getting ready for our trip to the valley. We left for our timeshare, Sheraton Desert Oasis around 4 and arrived somewhere between 7:30 and 8 o'clock. James checked in with Chrissy and got our owners packet. We are in rooms 2047 and 2048 in Spring Court, building 6 around in the back. Next time I am asking for a downstairs room.

After lugging all of our stuff upstairs, James doing most of the lugging, including an ice chest, we were able to sit down and relax for awhile. 

Very proud of Summer for earning her Young Women's medallion.

Congratulations!

Christina's baby

I just thought this was funny.

Dallin right after graduation.

Kim at Chandler High

This dog is obsessed with Sheri!

Wednesday, September 27th, 2017

Bismarck, North Dakota

61st operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Sept 1999 

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman11:1-20

*In these verses the Nephites did begin "to remember the Lord their God." What blessings have you seen come in to your life when you choose to remember Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? How do you feel when you ponder what the Savior has done for you?

- James: "When I choose to remember by praying and attending my meetings in an attitude of gratitude and worship, I am reminded of the power of the Atonement which has helped me overcome so much of the natural man; which has changed my heart and helped me to overcome bad habits and redirected my focus from the world to things of eternity. Over time I have learned that it is not about me. I have a long way to go, but I have learned that the Atonement is about changing our lives and our focus."

-Karen: "I feel like going to church is like going to the hospital. We are all hurting or sick in some way. I feel healed as I partake of the sacrament and become one with the Savior. I know that as I repent and re-commit to keep the commandments the Savior forgives me and accepts of my offering and I feel of His love for me. I have the strength to face the challenges ahead of me for another week. During the week when I feel myself losing it, I offer a prayer to calm me down. I ask for peace, comfort, strength and love and to have the Spirit to be with me. I need Him every hour. I also try to repent immediately or at night during my prayers."

General Conference

How Does the Holy Ghost Help You?

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

" The each, Fernando's family, testify that the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, bore witness of the truthfulness of the gospel, leading them to a desire to be baptized and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

I helped James send his accident photos via the internet this morning. 

While James worked outside on the patio, I stayed inside and ordered a book about Mother Teresa for Dawn for her birthday. 

I also watched last night's DWTS, which was latin night. Witney and Frankie were at the top of the liter board with 25 points. I was pretty upset that Alan and Debbie Gibson went home. Alan just makes pro and he's gone the second week. Debbie was better than Terrel Owens, Derek Fisher, or Nick Lachey. She has had lyme disease so she was dancing with pain, but did not complain and was doing a good job.

I started rolls early in the day to go with the minestrone soup I made this evening. James was going to go home teaching this evening and his partner was not able to go with him so I said I would go. We visited the Peeler's and took them some soup and rolls. Afterwards we went by the Scott's to pick up our dishes from last night. Brother and Sister Scott said they both loved the steak, gravy and potatoes we brought.

We got a teeny, tiny bit of rain today. It smells so fresh and clean outside. I really do love this time of year when the temperatures start to cool down. 

We read from "Mind Games" and watched an old Autumn Reeser movie, "I Do, I Do, I Do."  

James wrote a scathing letter to Habor Freight regarding his lousy greenhouse.

The wreath I bought at Hobby Lobby

yesterday.

Visit Arizona

Rowan got to get out of school early

to go to the D-Backs game.

They came behind to win.

James using the internet to change the oil and

other fluids in the Razr.

Paragon falcon on our backporch.

Shellie is one of the only girls I know who would

pick up a snake and hold it.

2015

Dallin doing what he does best.